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Submission CASTLE-JANSCH-0229 (Online)

Submission By Patricia Castle-Jansch
AddressVictoria, BC,
Organization
Date20040426
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
Other forms of PR would work for us, but MMP would be a good stepping stone for BC voters. It is one of the easiest versions of Proportional Representation to understand; later we can assess its strengths and weaknesses. [2 pages]

Submission Content
 

Thank you for your interest in reforming the voting system.

These are the reasons why I think the “First Past the Post” system doesn’t work:

1.   It encourages radical pendulum swings in policy direction. This can result in stress in the population and can increase the cost to tax payers.

2.   Government may not reflect the popular vote, as in the May 2001 elections.

3.   Voters have a sense of powerlessness because they feel their vote doesn’t count.

4.   Rigidity in government flourishes. Elected officials must toe the party line.

5.   Ruling parties have an unfair advantage in the next election. The party in power can rearrange boundaries of political constituencies and set the election date.

6.   Sometimes voters are forced to vote strategically. It is counterproductive for a voter to choose a party she don’t like, just to stop a party she likes even less from getting elected.

I think that we in BC should change to a Proportional Representation form of elections. These are my reasons:

1.   It better reflects how people vote, whereas First Past the Post systems distort the popular vote.

2.   All votes count. This is fairer to voters and parties.

3.   Voter turnout is higher because people feel that their vote counts.

4.   Proportional Representation provides more choice. The allocation of seats is a more accurate representation of our diversity here in BC. The outcome is that more parties are represented.

5.   We are ruled by consensus, not by a plurality.

6.   Proportional Representation results in a more responsive government.

7.   It allows an MLA to vote against her own party if she chooses and that will allow her to better reflect her constituents.

8.   Results in the election of more women and ethnic minority MLAs.

9.   Coalition governments are created. Democracy is about sharing power, and coalition governments are a natural and constructive outcome of democracy.

10.  Most democratic countries in the world have this system.

I think that we should go to the Mixed Member Proportional Representation System (MMP). That is where half of the MLAs are elected as usual. The other half are then elected from a party list based on the proportion of the popular vote a party gets and the individual’s ranking on their party list. 

I think that other forms of Proportional Representation would work for us, but MMP would be a good stepping stone for BC voters. It is one of the easiest versions of Proportional Representation to understand. Once we get used to the MMP system, we will probably discover that it has strengths and weaknesses. A healthy democracy is one that adapts to the people and the times and is ever evolving. If we find that there are some aspects of our newly adopted system that are not working for us, we can make changes or adopt a different version of Proportional Representation. I believe that any form of Proportional Representation would be better than what we have now. 

I am glad to be able to actively participate in our democracy in this way and for a chance to make a difference. I hope this helps you in your decision.

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